With each passing year, we witness novel gastronomic tendencies in the realm of pizza, and the year 2023 has brought about its own set of trends. At PlainMorsels, we continually keep an eye on the ingredients that are delighting pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's a curated list of top pizza toppings that have garnered attention this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has made its mark in the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their layered sour profiles, perfectly balancing the creamy flavors of cheese and sauce. These toppings not only offer healthful probiotics but also add novel textures to the classic pizza experience.
Featuring a mix of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, our innovative Fermentation Celebration pizza is rounded off with a honey drizzle enhancing the zesty taste. This blend may appear out of the ordinary, yet it is quickly becoming a highlight amongst our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centric diets has fueled the popularity of pizzas adorned with unique meat alternatives. Beyond conventional veggies, new plant-based proteins are now making a statement, even among staunch carnivores.
Toppings such as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni are a staple on our menu. These plant proteins are chosen for their distinct tastes and easier digestibility, appealing to a wide range of our clientele.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those craving some spicy excitement are in luck – 2023 marks a shift toward using specific types of regional chilies in place of the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their streak from previous years, we are now witnessing chilies such as Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang pepper coming forward on pizza menus.
Our Global Heat pizza is a spicy expedition with a blend of various international chilies, each quadrant showcasing a distinct taste. It's a favorite for those with an appetite for fiery flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table initiative has expanded into foraging, with a growing emphasis on wild, seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which pop up seasonally.
In addition to mushrooms, we've been incorporating wild ramps, sea vegetables such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and provide flavors that cannot be replicated through cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory that honey introduces on pizza is now well rooted into our culinary craft. 2023 has seen a surge in the use of unique honey types added to pizzas right before they're ready to serve.
Diverse forms of honey like truffle-scented, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, or even ones imbued with CBD are growing in prominence, giving simple pizzas a gourmet twist.
Honorable Mentions
Some other intriguing toppings that have narrowly missed our top list but are still creating waves include:
- Cured egg yolk, grated on pizzas adding a golden hue
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, adding a new textural element
- Gourmet butter blobs, particularly those infused with herbs or cultured origins
Whether you’re someone who sticks to time-honored toppings or a food explorer eager for innovative flavor fusions, pizza continues to be one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At PlainMorsels, we salute time-honored practices but are not shy about culinary exploration—that’s why our menu features both the classic Margherita and boundary-pushing creations.
Have any of these contemporary toppings made it to your plate? Or do you have an original topping combo you’d like to see us introduce? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!